Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for treating erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: A comprehensive review

Peer review under responsibility of Arab Association of Urology.

Abstract

Many men have coexistent erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are effective for treating both of these conditions independently. In this review we summarise the evidence supporting a link between ED and LUTS/BPH, and the results from key clinical studies related to the use of PDE5 inhibitors for treating both conditions. The results from these studies suggest that men who have both ED and LUTS/BPH, and are concerned about their sexual dysfunction, might benefit from single-agent, holistic treatment with a PDE5 inhibitor.

Abbreviations:

• ED, erectile dysfunction
• QoL, quality of life
• 5ARI, 5α-reductase inhibitor
• PDE5, phosphodiesterase type 5
• NO, nitric oxide
• cGMP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate
• RhoA, Ras homologue gene family member A
• ROCK, Rho-associated protein kinase
• IIEF, International Index of Erectile Function
• EF, erectile function (domain)
• AE, adverse event

Keywords:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Erectile dysfunction
• LUTS
• PDE5 inhibitor

Acknowledgements

Medical writing assistance was provided by Luke Carey, PhD, and Serina Stretton, PhD, CMPP, of ProScribe – Envision Pharma Group, and was funded by Eli Lilly and Company. ProScribe’s services complied with international guidelines for Good Publication Practice (GPP2).

All authors participated in reviewing the literature, and in the drafting, critical revision, and approval of the final version of the manuscript.

Notes

Peer review under responsibility of Arab Association of Urology.